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The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 was a landmark in India’s
freedom struggle. It was the result of several political, social, and economic factors that
developed over the 19th century under British colonial rule.
🇮🇳 Factors Responsible for the Formation of the Indian
National Congress
1. 📚 Spread of Western Education
English education introduced by the British created a new class of educated Indians
(lawyers, teachers, journalists) who were politically aware and conscious of their
rights.
This new class began to think about national issues and demanded political
participation.
Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, M.G. Ranade, and Surendranath Banerjee came from
this educated elite.
2. 📰 Role of the Press and Literature
Indian-owned newspapers like The Hindu, Kesari, Amrita Bazar Patrika played a key
role in spreading political awareness.
These publications highlighted British injustices and encouraged unity and
nationalism.
3. 🏛️ Political and Administrative Unification
British rule unified India politically through one administrative structure, one legal
system, and one communication network (railways, postal system).
This helped Indians across regions to connect and think of India as one nation.
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4. 💰 Economic Exploitation
British economic policies led to poverty, famines, and the decline of Indian
industries.
Educated Indians began to understand and criticize the economic drain of wealth
from India to Britain (famously explained by Dadabhai Naoroji).
5. ⚖️ Racial Discrimination and Ill-Treatment
Indians were denied top jobs in the civil services and treated as racially inferior.
British officials held a sense of racial superiority, which hurt Indian pride and fueled
resentment.
6. 🌍 Influence of Contemporary Global Movements
The American War of Independence and the unification movements in Germany
and Italy inspired Indian nationalists to organize themselves for collective action.
Ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy spread among educated Indians.
7. 👥 Role of Indian Associations
Regional political groups like:
Indian Association (1876) in Bengal,
Poona Sarvajanik Sabha in Maharashtra,
Madras Mahajan Sabha in South India, created a foundation for a national-
level political platform.
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8. 🧑⚖️ Role of A.O. Hume
A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, helped bring together Indian leaders from
across the country to form the Congress in 1885.
He saw it as a "safety valve" for growing discontent among Indians.
📝 Summary Table
Factor Contribution
Western education Created a class of politically conscious Indians
Indian press Spread awareness and exposed colonial injustices
British unification of India Helped develop a national identity
Economic exploitation United people against British economic policies
Racial discrimination Fuelled resentment and a sense of national dignity
Global influence Inspired Indians through other freedom movements
Regional political associations Provided early platforms for political dialogue
Role of A.O. Hume Facilitated formation of a national organization
📌 Conclusion
The Indian National Congress was born out of a growing sense of national unity,
awareness of colonial exploitation, and the desire for self-governance. It became the
first all-India political platform that later led the freedom movement.
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